Cultural and Social Studies of Tourism (5cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Objective

After completion of the course the student is able to
- use the perspectives of sociology and cultural studies for understanding the cultural, ecological and socioeconomic meanings and impacts related to tourism, travelling and other mobilities and hospitalities both locally and globally
- enhance ethical tourism and visitation sustainability for tourism in cultural environments
- evaluate the potentialities of speculative imagination, indigenous knowledges and participatory planning in enhancing creative and responsible tourism
- collaborate in cross-cultural, face-to-face and virtual settings

Execution methods

Multiform teaching and learning in class and online in Moodle: lectures and contact teaching (17 h); weekly on-line pre-assignments (flipped classroom); a city excursion assignment; a small concluding assignment; and its presentation in a closing seminar (115h). A parallel, separate distant learners’ version is available with a longer concluding assignment.

Accomplishment methods

Active participation on a weekly basis both on-line and in class, on both individual and group assignments, attendance and performance in the concluding seminar. A distant learner’s option follows the same timetable, with weekly assignments, and a concluding essay.

Content

Ethical mobilities; sporting bodies; hospitality work; exploitative tourism; guidance by silence, arts, artefacts; undressed spaces; responsible planning; measurements of sustainability.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Sufficient and satisfactory (1–2)
Performance is lacking in scope, superficial, or corresponds poorly to the assignment. The author merely lists things out of context or addresses them one-sidedly. The work may contain errors or obscurities.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good and very good (3–4)
Performance corresponds to the assignment, manifesting comprehension and a skill to analyse and justify. The author has addressed the issue comprehensively. The work may contain some deficiencies.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent (5)
Performance delineates an extensive whole and the author can apply knowledge in a multifaceted way or place it in various contexts. The work manifests independency and insight, and it is a flawless entity that involves justified thinking or critical contemplation. The work is well written and implemented.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Pass
Performance corresponds to the assignment, manifesting comprehension and a skill to analyse and justify.

Fail
Performance is highly deficient or erroneous. The work may be based on serious misunderstandings.

Qualifications

Preferably at least two prior years of university studies (in whatever discipline) or at least 3 years of studies in applied sciences.